Constitution

The Association's purpose is to connect Azerbaijani women living in the UK by providing a social forum to reinvigorate their Azerbaijani networks. Activities include networking events, mentoring programmes, and fundraising for supported charities.

AWA UK operates as a non-profit, non-partisan and secular entity, without discrimination based on background. The Association bears no responsibility for members' individual political actions that contradict its values, and reserves the right to cancel membership accordingly.

Honorary President — held ex-officio by the spouse of Azerbaijan's serving UK Ambassador, playing an integral role in committee decisions and external promotion.

President — manages the overall business, directs the Association's affairs, and operates bank accounts with authorisation.

Vice President — assumes the President's duties during their absence and manages accounts per authorisation rules.

Treasurer — maintains financial custody, manages accounts, and reports annual statements.

Committee members receive honorary status indefinitely after their first term concludes.

The Annual General Meeting elects Executive Committee members. The President serves a maximum of two years with possible reappointment; other officers serve one year, renewable for one additional year. Vacancies are filled by committee appointment for the remainder of the term.

The committee convenes at least quarterly with two weeks' notice. Three members constitute a quorum. Decisions require a majority vote among the members present.

Eligible members include:

• Women born in Azerbaijan
• Women with Azerbaijani-born parents
• Women married to Azerbaijani nationals
• Women with a genuine interest in Azerbaijan (requires two member proposals)

Applications undergo Executive Committee review. If membership isn't approved, a written explanation is provided within 21 business days. Annual fees (currently £20) support administration, event subsidies, and promotional materials, and are payable within two weeks of acceptance.

Membership ends through death, resignation, non-payment of fees after 30 business days, or committee removal deemed to be in the Association's best interests.

Ulviyya Taghizade founded AWA UK in October 2017. Her name permanently remains in this constitution as founder.

Executive Committee members cease office by resignation, three-month meeting absence without permission, capacity concerns, loss of membership, or committee removal in the organisation's best interests. Removal requires 21 business days' notice.

Annual meetings occur on dates the committee determines. The Secretary circulates notices in writing or electronically. Quorum requires 50% membership attendance; electronic voting is permitted when urgency exists.

The committee may call general meetings at any time with written or electronic notice. Shorter notice is acceptable with unanimous member agreement. Quorum must be present for the transaction of business.

The committee manages member disputes within five working days. If disputes threaten the organisation's reputation, the committee may remove involved members.

Amendments require three committee members' written proposals, circulation to all members, and two-thirds approval at the Annual General Meeting.

If members vote to dissolve the Association, the committee winds down its affairs, collects assets, and settles liabilities.

The financial year runs from registration for one year and three weeks. All cheques require a minimum of two authorised signatories. Annual budgets are presented to members at the Annual General Meeting, with treasurer recommendations for sound financial policy.

The committee appoints patrons for predetermined terms. Non-member patrons receive meeting notices, attendance rights, and speaking privileges — but no voting rights.